Fly Free Festival bands you may have missed

Oct. 18, 2013

Photo by Noel Heath & Lauren Mandrell

Written by

Lauren Mandrell

Assistant A&E Editor

Although its a brand new, smaller-scale music festival, this weekend’s Fly Free Festival pleasantly surprised attendees with an amazing turn out of extremely talented musicians.

Unfortunately, many have not heard of these up-and-coming bands, which sadly left many playing to small crowds at the Adams, Tenn. festival.

Missed out on the festival? No worries, you still have a chance to listen to some of the bands that made Fly Free an unbelievable experience for everyone present.
If you mention the name RJD2, most people will kind of look at you funny. But say, “Hey, you know the “Mad Men” theme song?” however, and they’ll immediately realize who you’re talking about. RJD2 is the man behind the theme. The festival headliner had such an incredible stage presence, that left everyone in attendance with their mouths wide open.
The Black Cadillacs were another incredible act from FF fest. Hailing from
Knoxville, Tenn., the band certainly has what it takes to make it. But sadly, for this festival, they played a little too early in the day for what their music has to offer. Be sure to listen to their song “Choke,” which is reminiscent of a young Dan Auerbach.
Nashvillians JEFF the Brotherhood proved to be another standout band of the weekend. The band possesses a wonderfully heavy sound that makes it hard to ignore how good of a band they actually are. Be sure to listen to “Ripper,” which perfectly shows off the boys’ unique rock sound.
Probably the best semi-unknown artist at the festival, however, was Brave Baby. It’s easy to fall in love with the singer’s voice. It is as if you are a fifteen-year-old again, wanting to be with that band member of your dreams. Be sure to listen to “Days of Our Youth” off of their album Forty Bells.
Another band that put on a not-to-be-missed show at FF was Nashville’s own Moon Taxi. The band, fresh off performances at Live on the Green and MTSU’s homecoming, has been receiving a lot of recognition lately. If you have never heard of Moon Taxi, start tuning in to them now. Make sure to listen to “River Water,” which the band played in honor of the festival’s location.
Baby Baby, from Atlanta, Ga., proved that bands can still have fun on stage, and that you don’t have to be serious while performing. Be sure to check out their song “Haters.”
Cloud Cult was another festival headliner that put on a great show. Although, their intense stage presence made it hard to figure what exactly you were watching. Take a listen to one of their best festival performances, “Complicated Creation.”
One of the better overall shows of the festival goes to Brooklyn, N.Y. natives Rubblebucket. The band had the crowd so rowdy, that it was hard to turn away, or keep from dancing. The band obviously loves what they do, which helped the crowd get into them and never stop dancing. Take a listen to their song “Silly Fathers.”
Another surprisingly great performance was given by Johnny Polygon, who’s show had so many people that security had to get involved. That is a rare music festival occurrence. Do yourself a favor and take a listen to Johnny Polygon.
Another great band at the festival was Behold the Brave The band didn’t have the best turn out, but still put on an incredible show regardless. Make sure you listen to their tune “Hungry People,” which will hopefully be making more indie radio station appearances soon.
Fly Free Music and Arts Festival proved to be a great festival and a great weekend. Although not packed, amazing acts performed for established and new fans alike. If you haven’t heard of these talented acts already, you will soon. Hopefully FF fest will be an annual tradition for years to come. At the rate they’re going, it will be impossible not to.
Make sure to take a listen to the Fly Free Festival playlist that includes more bands from the festival. PLAYLIST.